GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Glossary of health coverage and medical terms

This glossary provides general information. It defines medical terms you may see. It’s not a complete list. Your health plan may define these terms in your plan documents. Look at your plan documents for details. Not sure where to look? Check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage to find out how to get a copy of your policy or plan document.

Allowed Amount
When you go to the doctor, there’s an “allowed amount” that the health care provider is allowed to bill for services. This is the maximum amount on which payment is based for covered health care services.

Appeal
If your health insurer denies a claim, you have the right to appeal the ruling. An appeal is a request for your health insurer or plan to review a decision.

Broker
An agent or broker can help you apply for a health plan. They can make suggestions about which plan to enroll in. Health insurers often pay them for enrolling consumers. But their services are free to you. Brokers and agents can also help small businesses choose health plans.

Catastrophic Health Plan
Catastrophic plans are for people under age 30 and those who qualify based on income or other factors. With this plan, the premiums you pay are generally low. But the costs you pay for health care are generally high.

Coinsurance
This is a percentage of the cost of care that you may have to pay. You pay coinsurance plus any deductibles you owe. For instance, if the health plan’s allowed amount for an office visit is $100 and you’ve met your deductible, a coinsurance of 20% means you pay $20. The health insurance or plan pays the rest of the allowed amount.

Copayment
A fixed amount (for instance, $15) you pay for a covered health care service. This is also called a copay. Most of the time, you make the payment when you receive the service. The amount can vary by the type of covered health care service.

Cost Sharing Reduction
A discount lowers how much you have to pay for deductibles, copays and coinsurance. In other words, you pay less for services at the doctor’s office, hospital or pharmacy. You can get this discount if you qualify based on income and choose a silver level health plan. Native Americans may qualify for other cost-sharing benefits, too. Native Americans do not need to choose a silver level plan to get this discount.

Deductible
The amount you owe for covered health care services before your health plan starts to pay. For instance, if your plan has a deductible of $1,000, then you have to pay $1,000 of your own money before the plan will start covering your costs. The plan pays for some services at 100% with no deductible.

Dependent
A dependent child is a child up to age 26 who can be claimed as a dependent on the parent’s tax return. When you apply for health coverage, you’ll include details about your dependent children.

Emergency Medical Condition
An illness, injury or symptom that is serious or life-threatening. It is so serious that a reasonable person would seek care right away to avoid severe harm.

Federally Recognized Tribe
A group recognized as an Indian tribe by the Department of the Interior. May include any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, rancheria or community.

Fee for Not Having Health Insurance
If you don’t have health insurance, you might have to pay a fee when you file your taxes. There are some exceptions. For instance, you don’t have to pay the fee if you’re a member of a federally recognized tribe or eligible for services through an Indian Health Services provider. Read more about the fee on HealthCare.gov.

Guaranteed Issue/Guaranteed Renewal
Anyone who is eligible can get a health plan regardless of health status, age, gender or other factors. Anyone can renew their plan as long as they keep paying premiums.

Health Insurance
Health insurance is a contract with an insurer. You pay a monthly fee for health insurance. The insurer pays for some of your health care costs in return.

Hospice Services
Services to provide comfort and support for persons in the last stages of a terminal illness. Services may also include help for their families.

Hospitalization
When you receive care in a hospital, you may be admitted as an inpatient. You may stay in the hospital overnight or for a number of days.

Hospital Outpatient Care
When you receive care in a hospital, you may receive care and go home the same day. Outpatient care means you don’t need to stay the night.

Household
Your household includes you, your spouse (if you’re married) and any children you claim as dependents on your taxes. When you apply for a health plan, you’ll need to fill out some details about your household.

In-Network
A health plan network is the group of providers contracted with your health plan to provide services. You’ll typically pay less for health services from providers in the plan’s network. Review your plan documents to learn more about in-network and out-of-network costs.

Medicaid
Medicaid is a state program providing health coverage to low-income people. The program may cover adults, children and people with disabilities. You can check if you qualify when you apply through the Marketplace.

Network
A health plan network is a group of facilities, providers and suppliers. They have contracted with your health insurer to provide health care services. The network usually includes doctors, hospitals and clinics where you can go for health care.

Open Enrollment Period
A window of time when people can enroll or renew health plans through the Marketplace. This year, open enrollment is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.

Out-of-Network
A health plan network is the group of providers contracted with your health plan to provide services. You’ll typically pay more for health services from providers who are not in the plan’s network. Review your plan documents to learn more about in-network and out-of-network costs.

Out-of-Pocket Costs
These include any costs that you pay for your health care services. When you visit the doctor, you might pay for services right away in the form of a copay. Or, you might be billed later for your share of the costs. You’ll be responsible to pay your deductible and coinsurance amounts. These are your out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Limit
Your plan protects you by placing a limit on how much you have to pay. Once you reach the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum, it will pay for covered services at 100 percent. You will no longer have to pay any copays or coinsurance. You will still need to pay your monthly premium.

Physician
A doctor who directly provides or coordinates a range of health care services for a patient. There are two types of doctors. An M.D. is a medical doctor. A D.O. is a doctor of osteopathic medicine.

Premium
The amount that must be paid for your health insurance or plan.

Premium Subsidy/Premium Tax Credit
Premium subsidies, also called advanced premium tax credits, can help you pay for a health plan. They are only available through the Marketplace. If you qualify based on your income, a premium subsidy can lower the cost of your premium. That means you pay less every month. Or, you may claim the credit when you file your taxes.

Preventive Care
Routine health care visits to help you stay healthy. This includes screenings, vaccines, checkups and counseling to prevent illness and other health problems.

Primary Care
Health services to prevent or treat common illnesses. A primary care provider (PCP) can be a doctor, nurse, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant. The PCP provides, coordinates or helps you access a range of health care services.

Provider
A health care provider can be a doctor, nurse, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant.

Qualifying Life Events
A change in your life can make you eligible to enroll in health coverage during special enrollment. You may be able to enroll or change your health plan if you:
• Get married or divorced
• Have a baby
• Move to a new state
• Lose other health coverage
• Gain U.S. citizenship or membership in a federally recognized tribe
• Have other special circumstances

Special Enrollment Period
A time outside of open enrollment when you may be able to enroll or change your health plan. You may be able to enroll in a health plan during a 60-day special enrollment period if you have life changes. These include getting married or divorced, having a baby, losing coverage and other special events.

Specialist
A doctor or provider specialist focuses on a certain area of medicine or a group of patients. They diagnose, manage, prevent or treat certain types of symptoms and conditions.

Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)
An easy-to-read summary that lets you compare costs and coverage between health plans. You can compare options based on price, benefits and other features. You can view the SBC when you shop for coverage. Or, you can request it from your health insurance company.

Urgent Care
When you need quick medical care, but it’s not an emergency.